Contact allergy to materials used in dental practice;an update

ABSTRACT

A wide range of chemicals and procedures is responsible for allergic contact dermatitis [ACD] in the dental profession. Groups of individuals affected include dentists and orthodontists, dental technicians, dental nurses, dental surgery assistants, dental hygienists and patients. Allergic contact dermatitis in dental personnel is predominantly confined to hand dermatitis, while patients with ACD to dental materials tend to experience stomatitis or cheilitis [type IV allergy] or contact urticaria with or without dissemination [immediate type allergy